Law & Order | 8pm on NBC

When a campaign volunteer is murdered, Detectives Lupo and Bernard end up dealing with more than just dirty politics.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, December 11, 2009

It’s Friday. I can’t say there’s a lot to watch tonight. I just woke up. That’s all you’re getting from me today. I need to go back to bed. Have a great weekend. Anyone up to anything fun this weekend?

Those show and more are on your TV tonight. Here are the highlights from tonight’s schedule.

Dollhouse | 8pm on Fox
“Meet Jane Doe”; “A Love Supreme”
Echo struggles to control her multiple memory downloads; Topher discovers the dangers of science that will have devastating effects on the future; the Dollhouse fears Alpha has returned to seek his revenge; the Actives turn against their handlers.

Law & Order | 8pm on NBC
“Fed”
When a campaign volunteer is murdered, Detectives Lupo and Bernard end up dealing with more than just dirty politics.

Ugly Betty | 9pm on ABC
“Be-Shure”
Hilda and Betty have pregnancy scares; Marc has a plan to get Wilhelmina back; Claire finds the son she gave up for adoption.

Also playing…

• Yes, Virgina | 8pm on CBS: After being told by friends that Santa Claus does not exist, 8-year-old Virginia writes a letter to the editor of The New York Sun asking if the jolly man is real.

On the late night couch…

• The Jay Leno Show: Gordon Ramsay
• The Late Show with David Letterman: Kyra Sedgwick, Brian Scott McFadden, Joe Perry
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Zach Braff, Bear Grylls, Tony Bennett
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Jim Parsons, They Might Be Giants
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Ray Romano, Kim Kardashian, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Mary Steenburgen, Snoop Dogg
• Chelsea Lately: Jenny McCarthy, Guy Branum, Dan Levy, Natasha Leggero (R 12/2/09)
• Last Call with Carson Daly: David Duchovny, Tor Hamer, Anya Marina

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

Join Us For Our LIVE BONES Chat Tonight!

Join Seeleybaby and other BONES fans for our special LIVE chat during tonight’s episode of BONES.  We’re going to get started around 7:45pm tonight. It’s always more fun to watch with friends and fellow fans, so I hope you’ll join us.

Enter your email address below to send your self a reminder.  Let us know if you’ll be joining us (we want to make sure we have enough food & bevvies for all.)

Use the Tweet button below and post with the hashtag “#BONES” to alert other BONES fans.

About Last Night…MODERN FAMILY, COUGAR TOWN, THE MIDDLE & More

If all goes well with my back this week and I get the ok from the Doc, I think I’ll be moving out of my parents house and back to my own place. My parents and my grandmother have taken such good care of me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all their help over these past few months, but I NEED my own TV. I try to have influence on the living room television but I can’t always get my way. In my apartment I run the remote and I’ve got my two DVRs to make sure I can watch all my shows.

We’ve already covered the shows I did watch last night, so be sure to join in on the discussions of last night’s GLEE, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, and TOP CHEF.

Throughout the day I’ll be catching up on the shows I missed last night, but just because I haven’t watched them doesn’t mean you can’t talk about. So here’s your chance to share your two cents on MODERN FAMILY, COUGAR TOWN, THE MIDDLE, OLD CHRISTINE, GARY UNMARRIED or any other show you watched last night. Maybe you have something to say about Barbara Walter’s 10 MOST FASCINATING PEOPLE. Well here’s your chance.

I’ll be joining in on the discussion once I get a chance to catch up on the shows. See you in the comments.

Behind the Scenes of BONES with Emily & Zooey Deschanel

In this first-ever on-screen pairing of the Deschanel sisters, Zooey Deschanel (500 Days of Summer) plays Margaret Whitesell a distant relative of Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel). When Brennan’s father, Max Kennan (guest star Ryan O’Neal), makes contact with Margaret, he invites her to spend Christmas with him and his daughter. Meanwhile, Brennan and Booth investigate the death of a man dressed as Santa Claus who was blown up after a botched bank robbery.

Find out what it was like when the Deschanel sisters met up on set in this behind the scenes features.

And don’t forget to join us at 7:45pm tonight for our live BONES chat during the show.

GLEE Fall Finale – Sectionals

December. January. February. March. APRIL! That’s how long we’re going to have to wait for a new episode of GLEE. I know the wait seems unfair, but at least we got one hell of a great Fall finale to tide us over until the Spring. Great music. Major plot movement. And a kiss that left me…gleeful.

Kudos to the writers and the director of last night’s episode for taking a step back, slowing things down a bit and giving us digestible and related story arcs rather than the frenzy of plot points usually shoved into an episode of GLEE.  Of course I mean in no way to imply that the episode wasn’t chock-full of hefty storylines, because it was. But the pace at which the stories unfolded had a certain calmness and in turn lent gravitas to each of the arcs. “Sectionals” would have served as a respectable series finale had the show not been picked up for the full season. But it did, and television is better off for it.

Since the very first episode of GLEE, way back in May, we’ve been following McKinley High’s ‘New Directions’ on the road to Sectionals, and tonight we saw the culmination of all their hard work. But as usual with this group of songsters, getting on to the stage proved to be the hardest part.

Rachel and her psychic abilities started to suspect that Puck and not Finn, could be the father of Quinn’s baby. Using a Jewish genetic disorder as her device, Rachel set off to discover the truth. Upon realizing that her suspicions had merit, no one – not even the gleeker party line – could stop Rachel from telling Finn.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, December 10, 2009

With a mix of repeats and original episodes, I might actually get to watch all my Thursday night shows on Thursday night. It’s been a while since that happened.

And it seems as there’s a battle for ‘Secret Santa’ tonight as it’s the title of both tonight’s episode of 30 ROCK and THE OFFICE. But for me, tonight is all about THE OFFICE. Tonight is the show’s Christmas episode and I can’t wait! While I’m not expecting tonight’s episode to live up to S2’s “Christmas Party” and S3’s “Benihanna Christmas”, I do expect that the show will be a lot funnier than the  disastrous S5’s “Moroccan Christmas”.

One quick announcement for BONES fans. Tonight we are having a LIVE BONES chat at 8pm EST. Watch tonight’s episode with GMMR’s BONES maven, Seeleybaby, and other BONES fans.  Isn’t it always more fun to watch with others?

The post for tonight’s chat will be going live soon so check back in a bit, but for now use the box below to set a reminder for yourself. Let us know if you’ll be joining us.

If there are any other shows that you think we should do a LIVE chat for, drop me a line in the comments and let me know.

Here’s a look at highlights from tonight’s TV lineup. What shows are you most looking forward to tonight?

Survivor: Samoa | 8pm on CBS
“Damage Control”
One castaway, fearing he is next on the chopping block, gives a shocking performance during the tribal council.

Bones | 8pm on CBS
“The Goop on the Girl”
Brennan’s father (Ryan O’Neal) invites a distant relative, Margaret Whitesell (Zooey Deschanel), to spend Christmas with him and his daughter; Brennan and Booth investigate when a man dressed as Santa Claus is blown up after a botched bank robbery. [GMMR: Did I mention tonight’s LIVE BONES chat? I did? Ok, just checking.]

Community | 8:00pm on NBC
“Comparative Religion”
A bully (Anthony Michael Hall) challenges Jeff, who’s also worried about failing Spanish. Elsewhere, Shirley plans a Christmas party for the gang without realizing that not all of them celebrate the holiday.

(The rest of Thursday night’s lineup is after the jump)

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CHUCK Season 3 Extended Preview

And they said it would never happen…

One month from today, Sunday, January 10th, CHUCK returns with a 2-hour season 3 kickoff. And the very next day CHUCK is back with another new episode in its regular timeslot, Mondays at 8pm. I don’t know about you but I’m tingling with excitement.

It’s no more Mr. Nice Spy when our favorite Nerd Herder, Chuck Bartowski, takes full advantage of the new Intersect now embedded within his brain. In this extended preview, go behind-the-scenes of CHUCK and learn more about the new “abilities” that come with being the Intersect 2.0. See what familiar faces will be showing up in Chuck’s world. And find out what’s in store for Chuck and his leading lady, Sarah.

This previews looks amazing, and I am beyond excited that CHUCK is back for a third season. And we didn’t even have to wait until March! Viva la Subway.

Now if we could just figure out who on Team Bartowski will find out about his secret double life. Here’s to hoping it’s not Ellie. Finding out that her little brother and her husband are involved in a world of international espionage might be too much for her to take. She’s kind of a worry wart.

Excited for the return of CHUCK? Share your enthusiasm with other CHUCK fans in the comments below.

(More CHUCK S3 promos after the break)
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Who Won TOP CHEF? (Updated)

WARNING: As someone who copiously avoided finding out the winner until I could watch, I am telling you now that I will immediately be discussing who won Top Chef. If you don’t want to know, this is your last chance to stop reading. Ready? Here we go!

The culinary competition is over. And this season’s TOP CHEF is…
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Who Went Home on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

UPDATE: Click here to find out who went home on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (July 8th)

PREVIOUS POST

Are you ready for the final SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE before next week’s finale? The dancers seem to be. The top 7 (Ashleigh is still out tonight), took the stage in a quirky and interesting Sonya Tayeh routine. Love her work.

There’s a lot to get done tonight including a performance by Kris Allen, so Cat quickly brought the guys on stage to share their fate. Those safe tonight will be competing for the title next week.

• Russell – SAFE
• Legacy – BOTTOM TWO (a bit of a surprise but I’m not too worried)
• Jakob – SAFE
• Ryan – BOTTOM TWO (he’s my pick to go home tonight)

Cat went to Mary for her reaction, and Miss Murphy screeched something. It was hard to understand her with all the ringing in my ears.  She congratulated Russell and Jakob on making it to the finale, and said she really didn’t know who would make it through to the finale.  (I happen to think she already knows, but maybe not. Maybe it’s just Nigel that knows in advance.)

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Top 8 Performances

Tell me I wasn’t the only one floored last night when Cat mentioned that next week was the finale?  I nearly fell off my chair (which I’m glad I didn’t, as that probably wouldn’t bee good for someone recovering from back surgery). In the back of my mind I knew that they were going to have a six person finale, but it seemed a bit too sudden. I just wasn’t ready. But it’s true. Next week is the finale, and that means that all but the two going home tonight will be competing next week for the title of America’s Favorite Dancer.

But before we crown the winner, let’s take a quick look at last night’s performance show. Overall it was a strong night with a few standout routines. Although I know that this season has been a drag for some, there is no denying that the talent is of a much higher caliber this season. But what seems to be lacking is the chemistry, not between the partners, but between the audience and the dancers.

Last night we learned that Ashleigh had dislocated her shoulder and didn’t have medical clearance to perform this week. How devastating! The week before the finale and she didn’t give the audience one last opportunity to see why she deserves to be in next week’s finale.  I might have been cold to Ash at the start, but she really proved herself this season. And how tragic would it be for this girl to once again lose out on her chance to persue her dream because of an injury? Hasn’t she been through enough?

As she joined Cat on stage at the top of the show to make the announcement, Ashleigh’s true emotions betrayed her when the tears she tried so hard to fight back streamed down her face despite the smile she tried to put on. But I was the one crying when later in the show, after her husband performed his solo, he took the time to tearfully beg the audience to vote for his wife. Cat Deeley needed a moment to compose herself…I needed a full box of tissues.  And last night at 10pm sharp, when I picked up the phone to vote for Ashleigh, I was happy that it took many, many attempts before I was able to get through to place my vote.

Ok. On to the routines!

Kathryn & Ryan
Disco by Doriana Sanchez
Mary & Adam were really digging this number, but I was more with Nigel. I thought it was a little too stiff. And why aren’t the judges calling out Ryan on his cheesy smile? I know he’s a ballroom dancer, but his face is trying too hard to connect with the audience when he should be trying to connect more with his partner. I can’t say I was impressed with this routine.  But it takes something amazing for me to get excited about disco. (Video)

Cha Cha by Jason Gilkison
Hot damn! This was a fantastic routine. I not only went back and watched it again immediately, I even woke my sleeping mother up from her slumber on the couch to watch it. This was hot business. Not only did Kathryn and Ryan look amazing, but the choreography was so suave that it might just go down as one of my favorite routines of the season.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, December 9, 2009

I suppose I can blame my sour mood on the cold and dreary weather we’re having here in Boston, but I know the weather has little to do with it. What really has me bummed out is knowing that tonight is the last new episode of GLEE until April. APRIL! That’s a long time from now. Thank goodness I have the GLEE soundtracks to keep me smiling over the next few months. At least I have tonight.

Although GLEE is the highlight of my schedule tonight, I love me some Wednesday night TV. For me it’s all about Fox and ABC. No need to go anywhere else on the dial.

Here are some of the highlights from tonight’s TV schedule. Check it out, and let me know what YOU are excited about watching tonight.

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
“Results Show”
One more guy and one more girl will be eliminated tonight.  The remaining six dancers will go on and compete in next week’s finale which will determine the winner of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. [GMMR: Still can’t believe that next week is the finale. It just doesn’t seem right. And I’m not a big fan of having a final six. I’m partial to the old school final four.]

Mercy | 8pm on NBC
“Some of Us Have Been to the Desert”
Veronica tries to get help for her PTSD; Sonia helps a mother struggling with her decision to give her baby up for adoption; Chloe gets stuck with a difficult patient.

The New Adventures of Old Christine | 8pm on CBS
“Old Christine Meets Young Frankenstein”
When Christine discovers that Ritchie has been bullying other kids, she decides to apologize to the woman she used to terrorize in school.

Gary Unmarried | 8:30pm on CBS
“Gary Gives Sasha His Full Attention”
Sasha’s eyes are opened to the pitfalls of dating a divorcé when Allison. the ex, butts in on her first date with Gary.

(More of tonight’s lineup after the jump)
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DEXTER: Hello, Dexter Morgan

There has been disparate view from many reviewers and critics of “Dexter”,  but I don’t think this season has been as inconsistent as seasons past. Sure, every series and every season will have episodes that are better than others. But, this season’s story has progressed at a nice rate and, even though I’ve complained about some of the secondary storylines being dropped, you can tell that the creative team behind the show definitely had next week’s finale in mind while planning the season.

There were, however, a lot of things wrong with this episode. It’s forgivable, though, since the second to last episode of every season of Dexter has been merely a connector episode to get us to the finale.

First of all, I still don’t understand the point of the Rita quasi-affair. Was the sole purpose of all of the build up and the weeks since just so that Dexter cared? I mean, the significance of the event was not lost on me, I assure you. In fact, the juxtaposition of the violent act and the sweetness behind it and in Rita’s reaction was very moving. But, I feel that there would be less trite ways of achieving that end. Perhaps I’m wrong. Obviously, without knowing where things are going in the finale, I easily could be.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Hey GMMRers! Happy Tuesday. Just wanted to check in to say Hi. GMMR will still be somewhat quiet over the next few days as I continue to recover from my back surgery, but not all is completely dark. We’ll have a few updates so keep checking back.

Tonight’s TV is a mix of new episode an holiday specials. BETTER OFF TED returns tonight. If you like THE OFFICE and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT you might want to give the show a shot as it has the same sensibility. And if you haven’t already entered out BETTER OF TED S1 DVD Contest, then get on it.

For THE BIGGEST LOSER fans, tonight’s the night. See who wins the big prize!

Tonight the Top 8 dancers compete on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. I’m especially excited to watch tonight as I’m getting together with our friends from the Woo whom we watched all of S5 with (SYTYCD podcast listeners know Heather, Whit and Jess well). I haven’t been out of the house much over the past few months so it’s going to be awesome to see my friends!

On to tonight’s TV! What will YOU be watching?

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
“Top 8 Perform”
The remaining 8 dancers compete for your votes. [GMMR: Am I the only one that feels this season is flying by? The beginning dragged so much but after tomorrow we’ll know who are top 6 are. Crazy! I have some spoilers for tonight’s show so I’ll try to post them if I can.]

The Biggest Loser | 8pm on NBC
“Season Finale”
The third finalist is announced; the eliminated contestants compete for the $100,000 at-home prize; the “Biggest Loser” is announced.

Scrubs | 9pm on ABC
“Our Role Models”
J.D. and Drew learn a tough lesson in mentoring when Dr. Cox and Lucy show them that the student is sometimes the teacher.

Better Off Ted | 9:30pm on ABC | Season Premiere
“Love Blurts”
Veridian Dynamics tries to match employees based on their genetic compatibility; Linda and Ted find themselves instantly attracted to their supposed matches.

(More of tonight’s TV spotlight after the jump)

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TOP CHEF: And Then There Were Three

 

Guys, I apologize for the delay on this one. I started feeling sick on Friday, and believe it or not, it WASN’T because Michael Voltaggio is still around. But of course, that didn’t help.

The final four headed to Napa Valley and had their Quickfire Challenge on the train, which I have to say, even as a non-wine person, looked like a really fun thing to do someday—gorgeous views and the train and station were SO quaint. And then the picturesque scene was ruined by Michael Chiarello, who you may remember from Top Chef Masters. I wasn’t a fan of him now, and I still wasn’t this time around. I mean, first of all, I really didn’t think he should be giving Bryan a hard time for using concord grapes when they were provided to him. Secondly, I really wanted Jen to win that car, especially when I heard about her little old Cavalier (and, truth be told, I had been accidentally spoiled on who was eliminated, so I wanted her to get SOMETHING), and adding insult to injury, he picked MICHAEL to win. I was SO mad.

I actually really liked this elimination challenge, and again, even as a non-wine person, the harvest party looked really fun and was totally beautiful. I’m kind of over the catering challenges and I’m ready for the finale, which is usually just the chefs cooking a meal, not necessarily for one person, but certainly not for 150, either. But I did like the meat and vegetarian requirements, and I was shocked that no one had anything negative to say about Kevin’s vegetarian dish—there’s ALWAYS something negative to say. Plus, especially after the Natalie Portman challenge, it was nice to see them using eggs and cheese in their vegetarian dishes since I always think of that as fair game unless you’re talking vegans.

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